Kyiv(The COW News Digital)Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that a potential ceasefire agreement with Russia is close to completion, stating that negotiations are approximately 90 percent finalized. However, he cautioned that several critical issues remain unresolved, preventing an immediate end to the war.
In his New Year address to the nation, President Zelensky said Ukraine is only “10 percent away” from reaching a ceasefire deal but stressed that peace cannot come at the cost of Ukraine’s sovereignty or survival. He emphasized that Kyiv is committed to ending the conflict but will not accept any agreement that undermines the country’s independence or territorial integrity.
Read More:
- Late-Night Dinners Linked to Higher Blood Sugar Risk
- US Slams Palestine Recognition as Empty Symbolism
- Taliban Extend Internet Curbs, Trade Faces Major Hit
Zelensky underlined the importance of strong security guarantees as a central condition of any peace agreement. He said such guarantees are necessary to ensure that Russia does not launch future military offensives once hostilities are paused or formally ended. According to the Ukrainian leader, without binding security assurances, a ceasefire would risk becoming temporary and unstable.
While acknowledging progress in negotiations, Zelensky warned that the most sensitive and complex issues are still unresolved. He did not provide specific details but indicated that discussions remain difficult and require careful handling to protect Ukraine’s long-term security interests.
Foreign media reports suggest that territorial disputes remain the main obstacle to finalizing the agreement. Russian forces currently occupy nearly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, including large parts of eastern and southern regions. Moscow is reportedly seeking full control over eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region as part of any settlement, a demand Kyiv has consistently rejected.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly stated that any peace deal must respect internationally recognized borders. Zelensky has previously argued that conceding occupied territories would reward aggression and set a dangerous precedent for global security.
The ongoing war, now entering another year, has caused widespread destruction, displaced millions of civilians, and strained Ukraine’s economy and infrastructure. International efforts to mediate the conflict have intensified in recent months, with diplomatic channels remaining active despite continued fighting along several front lines.
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine remains open to diplomacy but will negotiate from a position that protects its people and future. He said peace must be durable, just, and backed by credible guarantees rather than promises alone.
As talks continue, the international community is closely watching whether the remaining gaps can be bridged or whether the conflict will persist into another year.
